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Thursday, November 1, 2012

In Celebration of Grandmothers and Grandsons

I had two very special grandmothers. One grandmother taught me about the importance of elegance while the other encouraged freedom of expression. I started this blog because of my grandmothers and although they are no longer with us, they continue to guide and inspire me everyday.

A few months ago, Hadar Pitchon, a friend of mine on Facebook and a regular reader of Advanced Style, sent me some wonderful photos and videos that he had taken of his Nona. Their special bond reminded me of the relationship I had with my grandmothers. In my eyes Bluma and Helen were the biggest stars that ever lived. They were the most glamorous models and the wisest of sages. I asked Hadar to write a few words about his Nona and why she is so inspirational to him. Check out his incredible photos above and more about Hadar and Nona's special bond below:

When asking my grandma about her personal style, I hear her
say through her greek accent I love long beautiful dresses. But for her
everything seems to have a price tag attached, perhaps it's coming from nothing
now she treasures having things of value. When I was growing up around her she
loved playing dress up, wigs, lipstick, grab the guitar, songs and dance. I
have always had an utmost respect for where she comes from and I am impressed
with how she presents herself everyday. I feel she came from a time where you never
left the house unless you looked presentable. When her and my grandfather were
married they were so poor she had to hand the wedding dress to the next person
in line after. Yet through all this and raising 4 boys, being a holocaust
survivor, breast cancer survivor and survivor of living with me, she kept her
amazing style. She possesses an amazing character and wit, her nails are
always painted with a signature bright red to match her lips. Her dresses
usually have sequins or something over the top to them. Recently when I
was home I decided to showcase the beauty that is my grandma, she is a muse and
a constant reminder of how lucky I am to have someone like that in my life. I
decided she would be the supermodel of the year and her face would be in all the
latest ads and on a cover of magazine. After all she never ceases to amaze me
and my greatest pride is getting to share her with the world. (Hadar Pitchon)

What a wonderful post! Nona is incredible, I adore her style. As for the photos of her and her grandson together, just gorgeous! The stunning colours make my heart sing, not to mention the fact that they're clearly having so much FUN.

Like you Ari I've just started a blog in celebration and honour of my late grandmothers Kiki and Penny, two deeply glamorous and loving women whom I miss so much. If you get the time check out my halloween post, where I dress in a ballgown made by Kiki, plus her 18th century hand sewn provencal cloak :

I love the music videos and her green hair! My grandmother was an inspiration to how I want to look when I get older. She had a bit of a shopping problem, but I loved it. She was so elegant, and always had her nails painted bright red or fuchsia.

What a joyous celebration of love by Hadar for his grandmother! I wish I had a grandmother like that - she is marvelous; what a zest for life. Both of them are so lucky to have each other in their lives.

Love the photos and love the write up...I'm sure it was a very special project for them both...And it goes to show you are never to old to play dress-up and never too old to have fun!!!...May they continue to have many more fashion adventures together!!!! ;)

Thank you for this. I am glad I am not alone in appreciating the women who were before me, my grandmothers but also my older aunts (one of which is old enough to be my grandmother and has played that role much). Not just style inspirations but life inspirations. Your blog does reflect a lot of love and respect and I am sure your grandmothers would be very proud of you. I have no doubt you are having a tremendous impact on how people see fashion and style. You're obviously inspiring others to demonstrate their appreciation for their grandmothers too. So a big thank you!

Grannies are one of the most important people in your life. While mine were very prim and propper they seemed to have a special something that added a little extra sunshine to my day whenever they were around.

Everything about this blog is just brilliant. Hitting such a brilliant niche that not many people would think of, but still one that matters so much and paves the way for the rest of us. Truly fantastic content.

I just found your blog and I absolutely LOVE it, especially this post! Sounds like you had two sassy ladies for grandmothers. I can definitely relate, I have an aunt that lived in NYC in the 50's and was quite the fashionista- I love looking at old photos of her dressed in her swing coats always with a sparkly brooch, long gloves and fabulous hats! I always loved playing in her jewelry box as a little girl and I am certain that my love of fashion comes from her! She always taught me to never leave the house with chipped nail polish and at least a little rouge! Fabulous! I look forward to more posts!